Meet our 2023 Class of Ambassadors. We have 26 unique and motivated individuals including current Kinetic Kids, former Kinetic Kids, parents, siblings and a Kinetic Kids coach! Click on their names to learn more about them and to donate to their cause!
My name is Rachel Benke and I have been doing Kinetic Kids since I was 5 years old. Kinetic Kids has helped my self esteem and has allowed me to be part of a team. I love Kinetic Kids because it provides a fun and safe place for me to do Cheer and CrossFit, my favorite sports that I cannot do anywhere else. I am so excited to be an Ambassador for Kinetic Kids so I can spread the word to others and allow them the opportunity to be included in this amazing, life changing opportunity. I am raising money for Kinetic Kids in hopes to maintain a long lasting future for this organization and tea ability to expand opportunities to other kids down the road.
Please type Rachel Benke in Additional Comments when making a donation.
My name is Clarissa and I have volunteered with Kinetic Kids in the past, but most of my experience comes firsthand by helping my older brother. We are 2 years apart and so growing up I was like the big sister, always pushing to help in any way I could. He opened my eyes to such a different type of unconditional love and being able to help him grow into the wonderful person he is today, is such an incredible feeling. I fell in love with helping others and hope to make a difference in lives in the future.
Growing up, I always said I wanted to help so many people like my brother and this will be another step in accomplishing that goal. I have been working in healthcare for 7 years, continuing to expand my knowledge and furthering my education to help communities in the future.
Kinetic Kids is such an amazing organization that provides kids with opportunities to be able to be themselves while learning teamwork and skills for their future. I am excited to be an ambassador for Kinetic Kids, to gain leadership and communication skills, spread the word of how much impact this organization has on the special needs community, and advocating for all these amazing kids. Kinetic Kids has brought so much joy, impact, support, and continued positivity to children with special needs as well as their families and as an Ambassador I will continue to spread the word through our community.
Please type Clarissa Canales in Additional Comments when making a donation.
My name is Kate Chaney and I am excited to be a 2023 Kinetic Kids Ambassador. I want to be an Ambassador as I have had the pleasure to work alongside the amazing staff and families at Kinetic Kids through my company, Inspirational Photobooths during events like EXPO and Hootenanny. I love Kinetic Kids because kids get to be who they are. When I was 5 years old I was diagnosed as legally blind and underwent multiple treatments and therapies in effort to have a more normal life. At 13, I was diagnosed with Autism and throughout my life I have learned to persevere, make friends, keep up my grades with a learning disability, attend many appointments and not be afraid all while learning to embrace who I am! Kinetic Kids doesn’t tell anyone no, push anyone away, and accepts everyone as they are.
I am excited about the training and skills I will gain through this leadership program. As I am growing my company, Inspirational Experiences, I hope to gain skills, learn and continue to help others with special needs.
I want to represent Kinetic Kids as individual living with Autism who has gone through many challenges. I can’t wait to grow and be apart of this journey.
Please type Kate Chaney in Additional Comments when making a donation.
My name is Rob and I love Kinetic Kids and love that we are able to provide a photobooth to such a great organization as a previous partner with them at events. I also love being able to watch Kate, my wife and also an Ambassador, be herself and not being afraid of a diagnosis.
I am excited to be an ambassador and love that we get to take so many learning courses which can teach me how to market, network and so much more and help me understand how to grow with Kinetic Kids and our companies which are titled Inspirational Photo Booths, Inspirational Experiences, Inspirational Videos by Kate, and Chaney Inspirations. I want to represent Kinetic Kids all while being on my wife’s side on such an inspirational journey. I also want to learn through taking the couraes offered. I Want to see Kinetic Kids grow and be successful.
Please type Kate Chaney in Additional Comments when making a donation.
I am Ambassador Rhaya and a spina bifida princess. I want the world to know that a diagnosis is a motivator. As an ambassador, I will be advocating for inclusion through sports.
The inclusion will consist of love, fundraising and awareness. Kinetic Kids is the bridge that connects us all. I look forward to representing my family. Your support will create countless smiles. XOXO
Please type Princess Rhaya Edison in Additional Comments when making a donation.
I absolutely love what Kinetic has done for my son Kullen. It has allowed him to be involved with sports in a meaningful way to him. Kinetic Kids allows Kullen an opportunity to be who he uniquely is, all while learning a sport and allowing social opportunities with other children and adults. His love for sports has grown because of Kinetic Kids, from the directors of each sport to the amazing volunteers, he has loved every season he has participated and his growth over the years has been amazing to see. Because of the impact Kinetic Kids has on my son, I couldn’t help but jump on the opportunity to become an ambassador. I want everyone to know about the amazing things Kinetic Kids is doing for our kids and our community. I look forward to spreading the good news of all that Kinetic Kids is and what we can become with the support of our city.
Please type Stephanie Flores in Additional Comments when making a donation.
I am excited to be an ambassador for KineticKids. Kinetic Kids has been a huge part of my life and I love that everyone with a disability is included. Kinetic Kids has provided a loving community and has embraced me and all those that participate. I am excited to be an Ambassador so that I can have the opportunity to tell others how wonderful these programs are and how life-changing the experience is. I love meeting new people and making friends. Kinetic Kids has provided a platform for me to do this!
Please type Sheldon Getfield in Additional Comments when making a donation.
Hi, I’m Georgia and I’m 9 years old. I love to play sports! The thing I love most about playing sports is all the friends I get to make. I think it’s important for all kids to have a place to make friends and Kinetic Kids is that place. I am a Kinetic Kids Ambassador so that I can spread the word and tell everyone about all the great things kids with disabilities are able to do!
Click below to donate and please type Georgia Hallmark in Additional Comments.
My name is Ashley and I love Kinetic Kids because it provides me with the opportunity to be who I am and the opportunity to participate in all the sports that I like. I am excited to be an Ambassador so I can help people, share my story and encourage others to participate in whatever form they desire. I am excited to represent Kinetic Kids and educate the community on how they can get involved and change the lives of those with special needs.
Please type Ashley Jansky in Additional Comments when making a donation.
Hi, I am Matthew, Kinetic Kids Athlete and Ambassador. I am so excited to represent Kinetic Kids in this position as I have a strong passion for the opportunities Kinetic Kids provides and I want to reach out to others and inspire them to join in and experience this life-changing program. I hope to also impact the growth and success of Kinetic Kids so that more kids can participate and have the opportunity to play adaptive sports and make lifelong friends like I have. Kinetic Kids has instilled confidence in me to lead and I am looking forward to elevating my leadership skills while meeting others and making an impact in our amazing community.
Please type Matthew Jeffery in Additional Comments when making a donation.
Hello, my name is Phillip Jeffery and I am excited to help Kinetic Kids as an Ambassador in 2023! I was a backseat to Matthew Jeffery, my son, as he was an Ambassador in 2022 and I am excited to come in and assist this year. I am working hard to bring my leadership skills and marketing abilities to spread the word about Kinetic Kids! I hope to see everyone soon!
The Father and Son Duo!
Please type Phillip Jeffery in Additional Comments when making a donation.
Hi my name is Jaxson and I love Kinetic Kids because I like getting involved in sports like basketball, swimming and soccer. I love getting involved with my friends at Kinetic Kids and I am glad to be a part of a team! I love the Kinetic Kids can be a home for so many with the amazing staff and volunteers everyone can play. I am so thankful to have Kinetic Kids in my life.
Please type Jaxon Knous in Additional Comments when making a donation.
My name is Cameron Laurent and I love Kinetic Kids. Since I was 3 years old I have participated in many sports and activities and some several times. I have done swimming, basketball, gymnastics, theatre, drumming, biking and even dancing! I guess you can say Kinetic Kids is like a second home for me. I can be myself and they understand my needs. The staff is always incredible and the volunteers have big hearts too. I am very excited to be a Kinetic Kids Ambassador to be able to share my story and spread awareness about the wonderful programs. As an Ambassador it’s very important that I raise funds for Kinetic Kids because it has changed my life. I want to help by doing my part so the organization can continue to bring smiles to kids like me.
Please type Cameron Laurent in Additional Comments when making a donation.
Hello, I’m Cara Laurent and I am a huge Kinetic Kids supporter. My older brother Cameron is a Kinetic Kid and I have been cheering him on from the sidelines since I was a toddler! I love the joy and confidence he gets from participating and being part of a team. If it wasn’t for Kinetic Kids, my brother and other special kids like him would not have a cool place to experience sports and other fun activities.
As a Girl Scout, we believe that we should make the world a better place. Kinetic Kids does exactly that and this is why I am excited to be a Kinetic Kids Ambassador. I believe in their mission and I want to spread the word about the wonderful things they do. I would also like to raise funds so that the organization can continue to impact special families like mine.
Please type Cara Laurent in Additional Comments when making a donation.
My name is Arturo Liendo, Jr, I started Kinetic Kids programs in the Fall of 2008 with swim and since then I have participated in almost every program offered. Currently, I participate in the competitive division – San Antonio Xtreme. I love making friends and being able to participate in different sports which are adapted to my physical needs. I am excited to represent Kinetic Kids as an Ambassador and share how meaningful Kinetic Kids has been to me. I am looking forward to the opportunity to let others know what Kinetic Kids can offer which will allow them to accomplish so much in life as it has allowed me to.
I participated in the Ambassador program 2022. During Kinetic Kid events, I enjoyed sharing my stories and my journey with the other athletes. One of my most memorable events was when the Adult Year’s Vocational Program requested me to represent Kinetic Kids at a school fair to tell others about my accomplishments and how staying active can help a person physically and mentally. At first, I was nervous because I was by myself, but by the end of the fair, I felt more confident with myself. I even won a prize from the raffle offered during the event which made me so happy. I hope that I can be given the opportunity to be part of the Ambassador program again to continue to spread the word.
Please type Arturo Liendo, Jr. in Additional Comments when making a donation.
My name is Gabriel Longoria, and I have participated in many Kinetic Kids programs since I was 2 in 2008! One thing I love about Kinetic Kids is that you can always have fun doing the sports you love, even if it means starting from the very beginning. Something that excites me about being an ambassador is that I will be able to help other people in the Kinetic Kids programs to have fun also! Kinetic Kids is important to me and fills an important role in the special needs community. I want to thank all the people in Kinetic Kids for helping me to understand how important we all are in the world and how much love we all have for each other.
Please type Gabriel Longoria in Additional Comments when making a donation.
Please type Jackie Martinez in Additional Comments when making a donation.
Please type Sophia Mendez in Additional Comments when making a donation.
My name is Sophia and I have enjoyed being a part of Kinetic Kids for over 2 years. I have grown and changed so much as a participant with Kinetic Kids. I truly enjoy all the activities we do with Kinetic Kids. I would be missing out on at lot of activities if Kinetic Kids wasn’t around. I look forward to representing Kinetic Kids as an Ambassador and spreading the word about the opportunities available to everyone!
Please type Sophia Munson in Additional Comments when making a donation.
My name is Valerie and I am the proud parent of my Kinetic Kid, Sophia! We love Kinetic Kids because it’s our family! The people you feel the most comfortable with, the ones who help or are always there to help in any way possible. Having that comfort is very rare but I am so glad we have found it and have been a part of it for years and will continue to be! I am excited about being an Ambassador with Kinetic Kids and developing lifelong relationships and being able to help our kids and community! Spreading the word is an amazing thing, especially when you have or may know anyone in a situation to help get them to a sense of normalcy. I can definitely say that is hard sometimes to do and relate entirely to it. Things change every day!
I want to represent Kinetic Kids because I believe any child or adult can! Besides being a parent of a Kinetic Kid, I have seen and heard numerous amounts of difficulties. I would love to be out there representing for you and making anything possible, I love this family!!!
Please type Valerie Paz in Additional Comments when making a donation.
Please type Leanne Reyes in Additional Comments when making a donation.
Hello, I’m Gabriella Ruepke and this is my first year volunteering as an ambassador for Kinetic Kids. My little brother, who is on the autism spectrum, is participating in second season as a player.
I love that my brother, and all kids with disabilities, can have the opportunity to be involved in sports and be on a team. It’s awesome that there is a place to learn how to play and compete without feeling stressed by physical or sensory needs.
I am so excited to take part in spreading the word that kids with disabilities can do just as much as any other child, especially with the support they need. Kinetic Kids allows children like my brother to enjoy sports and other activities. It shows them they have strength in their disability and that they can accomplish anything even if they might have to do in a different way. My family and I are so happy to be a part of Kinetic Kids.
Please type Gabriella Ruepke in Additional Comments when making a donation.
Hi, my name is Fran Starks. My daughter, Tatiana is a Kinetic Kid. When asked what do I love about Kinetic Kids…wow, where do I begin? The programs, the Kinetic Kids staff, the volunteers, partners (I can bike) and the opportunities for our children to participate and compete in sports that they may not be able to do in a typical setting.
The programs are amazing! It allows parents with children as young as 18 months to participate exposing them to fitness and new challenges that builds confidence along side an experienced therapist and adaptive coaches.
Except for the pandemic, my child has participated in numerous programs since she was around 5. She’s now 10 and is thriving. She has made so many new friends and has developed so many new skills.
I also love that the staff are all experienced physical, occupational, speech and recreational therapist that ensure that our kids are safe. They are so patient and are always giving the kids a high five and always encouraging them. However, they couldn’t do it without the wonderful volunteers. I love how energetic and eager they are to work with the kiddos. The staff and volunteers take time out of their lives to be with our kids in the evenings and weekends so that our kids can participate in a recreational sport. I also love Kinetic Kids partnerships with I can Bike. I was honest with them and told them I didn’t expect my daughter to ride on two wheels by the end of the program, I just wanted her to be comfortable being on a bike and if it took us two more bike camps until she was comfortable then I’m ok with that. Well, they totally exceeded my expectations! Although she wasn’t on two wheels by the end of the program, she was riding A BIKE! I was in tears, literally.
The thing that excites me the most about being an Ambassador is spreading the word. From my previous involvement in Discovering Disabilities Day, I received such positive feed back and thank you’ s from the = adaptive coaches and PTA board members. The PTA president even told me herself that she never would have thought about talking to her two sons about individuals with disabilities. To help bring Kinetic Kids to our school and bring that awareness made me want to do more!
I am excited to represent Kinetic Kids because I believe in their mission. I want to bring my daughter along side with me so that other’s can see her abilities without focusing on her disability and so that one day she can be an ambassador.
Please type Fran Starks in Additional Comments when making a donation.
When I think back to grade school and high school, my fondest memories are of my dance teams. I loved spending time with my teammates, working towards a common goal, and being a part of something bigger than myself.
The memories I have, however, do not include my peers with disabilities. Their desire to participate may have been the same as mine, but they were not afforded the same opportunity.
The team experience was crucial for me and it’s an experience that I believe ALL kids should have–regardless of disability. That’s why I choose to support Kinetic Kids: Because this organization gives all kids the opportunity to be a part of a team and it gives athletes the experience that I am so grateful to have had. I want to represent Kinetic Kids to bring more donors like me into the organization. I don’t have a disability, nor does anyone in my family–however, I am keenly aware of the impact that sports had on me as a kid. Because of this, I feel a responsibility (and desire!) to ensure all kids have the same access and opportunity that I did.
I am excited to be an ambassador to share the great work that Kinetic Kids does to better the lives of kids with disabilities in greater San Antonio!
Please type Rachel Webb in Additional Comments when making a donation.
Hello, I am Ella Weber. I grew up in San Antonio, and live with my mom, dad, and younger brother Allan. I am fourteen years old and the sports I do with Kinetic Kids are competitive cheer and competitive swim. I am so excited to become a Kinetic Kids Ambassador because I want to share with others the amazing things Kinetic Kids does for kids like me. The competitive swim program has taught me that I can do hard things and has shown me that I can achieve my goals. I have met a lot of really cool people and hope to make many more friends in years to come.
Please type Ella Weber in Additional Comments when making a donation.
Hi, I’m Kallie Williams! I love Kinetic Kids and the opportunity to compete and participate in sports previously unavailable to me. I have enjoyed soccer, basketball, cheer, dance and so much more! As a competitive cheerleader, I have gotten to travel and compete against so many other teams across the country. I have represented Kinetic Kids at many events but my favorite is the annual gala, Hootenanny! I am so honored to be an Ambassador because I believe in Kinetic Kids and I am excited to reach out to other kids and tell them all about it so that they can participate and make lifelong friends while dancing, playing, running and more! Kinetic Kids Rocks!
Please type Kallie Williams in Additional Comments when making a donation.
Ready to lead? Email tiffany@kinetickidstx.org for more information and application details.